Today, the Columbus Dispatch reported: "Columbus is getting its first protected bike lane as part of a plan to resurface Summit/3rd and 4th streets and add bike lanes along the heavily traveled corridors.

"Bike lanes will be installed along those routes between Fulton and Hudson streets, with a 1.4-mile section of Summit developed into a two-way, protected bike lane. That section will be between 11th Avenue and Hudson Street in the University District, and shielded by on-street parking.

"Original plans called for a conventional bike lane, but the city reconsidered its position after engineers rode with representatives from Yay Bikes, a local advocacy and education group.

“They’re coming up with really good solutions just because they’re understanding from a different perspective — from the seat of a bicycle,” said Catherine Girves, the organization’s executive director.

"She said the new bike lanes will be useful for both new and experienced bicyclists, who sometimes eschew lanes because it’s more convenient to ride with traffic.

"Adding protected bike lanes near Ohio State University, an area heavily populated with bicyclists, also can act as a model for the rest of the city, Girves said. “As a test site, this is the ideal place,” she said."